Which findings are typical in the initial assessment of IRDS/HMD?

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Multiple Choice

Which findings are typical in the initial assessment of IRDS/HMD?

Surfactant deficiency in premature lungs leads to stiff, air-less alveoli and difficulty maintaining oxygenation, so the initial assessment of IRDS/HMD centers on prematurity plus signs of respiratory distress. When gestational age is under about 38 weeks, surfactant production is often insufficient, and an L:S ratio below 2:1 indicates lung immaturity. After birth, the newborn typically shows rapid breathing, cyanosis, nasal flaring, chest retractions, and expiratory grunting as the baby copes with poor gas exchange. A low APGAR score can reflect perinatal distress and fits with this presentation. By contrast, being carried past term with no distress, a normal chest exam, or an L:S ratio above 2:1 with no distress would be inconsistent with IRDS, since mature lungs and lack of distress make surfactant-deficiency RDS unlikely.

Surfactant deficiency in premature lungs leads to stiff, air-less alveoli and difficulty maintaining oxygenation, so the initial assessment of IRDS/HMD centers on prematurity plus signs of respiratory distress. When gestational age is under about 38 weeks, surfactant production is often insufficient, and an L:S ratio below 2:1 indicates lung immaturity. After birth, the newborn typically shows rapid breathing, cyanosis, nasal flaring, chest retractions, and expiratory grunting as the baby copes with poor gas exchange. A low APGAR score can reflect perinatal distress and fits with this presentation. By contrast, being carried past term with no distress, a normal chest exam, or an L:S ratio above 2:1 with no distress would be inconsistent with IRDS, since mature lungs and lack of distress make surfactant-deficiency RDS unlikely.

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